My unbelievable journey to Primary Leaving Examinations perfection

A young boy standing in front of a mud hut with his hands up in celebration and a big smile on his face.
Benjamin was very happy after recieving the new on his amazing performance

As a 19-year-old refugee from Congo, I never thought I’d be where I am today. I fled my home country in 2015 due to war and political instability and settled in Rwamwanja refugee settlement with my parents and eight siblings.

Growing up, my parents struggled to provide for us, and I had to wait until 2013 to start school in Primary One at Gatongo Primary School in Congo. However, I only studied for two terms before sitting home due to financial constraints.

When I arrived in Uganda, I joined Nteziryayo Primary School in Primary One, but it was tough. I only knew French, and the language of instruction in Uganda is English. However, I was determined to succeed. As I recall, in term 3, I excelled in my studies and was given a bursary by Madam Jane, the head teacher.

However, life had its challenges. In 2018, I had to support my parents with small-scale farming, which made my attendance and performance decline. I dropped from first position to third and lost my bursary. But I didn’t give up.

In 2019, I was promoted to primary four, and I worked hard to regain my top position. I excelled in my exams and was given a bursary for the second time. From primary five to seven, I remained in the leading position.

As the firstborn of ten children, I have a responsibility to take care of my siblings. My parents, who are peasant farmers, struggle to provide for us. But I’m grateful for the support I’ve received. I thank FCA for always providing scholastic materials, and my school for enabling me to be on a school bursary through PTA contributions.

A mother and eight children standing in front of a mud hut
As the firstbirnorn Benjamin had a lot of responsibility for his younger siblings

So, what’s my secret to success? Concentration in class, following teachers’ instructions, being cooperative with my fellow learners, consulting teachers, involving in discussion groups, and attending academic activities like debates and academic quizzes have helped me so much to excel.

When the PLE results were released, I was overjoyed to discover that I had scored 9 aggregates, division one, and was the best pupil in the whole settlement. My parents were happy, and as a gift, they bought me six counter books.

As I look to the future, I hope to become an electrical engineer. I want to become an electrical engineer because it is high earning and has a high job demand due to the constant demand for electricity. I’d love to join Ntenungi Secondary School for my secondary education.

To all students, I offer this advice: “Always be obedient to your teachers and cooperative at school.” With hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Story told By Benjamin Haguma, the best performing pupil in the Rwamwanja Refugee settlement

Pictures by Anita Abenakyo

Text by Kadlah Nabakembo

The Uganda National Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) is a nationwide assessment taken by students at the end of their primary education. The exams are administered by the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB).

The grading system used for PLE is as follows:

  • Division 1: 4-12 aggregates ( highest grade)
  • Division 2: 13-24 aggregates
  • Division 3: 25-30 aggregates
  • Division 4: 31-33 aggregates
  • Ungraded: 34-36 aggregates

The aggregates are calculated by adding up the scores of the four subjects taken: English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

In the recently released results, our student Benjamin Haguma achieved a Division 1 with an aggregate score of 9, which is an exceptional achievement. Especially for refugees who go through hardships to acquire the same education. His achievement will be used as an example to inspire and motivate his peers to always work hard and aim at excelling in academics because nothing is impossible.